It’s day 1 of our 10-day adventure around New Zealand’s South Island. We’re surprised all our clothes and groceries fit into the Sprinter van’s roll-top cabinets and efficient nooks. We’re moved in and rolling, remembering the “wide right, tight left” from numerous training videos on driving in New Zealand.
Sheep! Everywhere on our way from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, about 2.5 hours from the city and into New Zealand’s Southern Alps. We check in at our first lakeside holiday park, get our spot, plug in the van and immediately set off to hike Mt. John to the observatory. It’s a 360-degree view on top, deserving of a panoramic photo (above). This place is known for spectacular night star viewing, but unfortunately it turns overcast as we descend and the evening begins, so we use our imagination until I find this great video that shows us what we missed!
It’s our first of many bright blue glacial lakes. And the holiday park has hot pots for soaking and stargazing. The winter skating rink has even transformed to a huge blow-up water slide within the hot pool facility.
And then there’s the new word of the day: Plunger. As in the French Press we break from our van after learning first lesson to be sure to secure everything when in transit.
On the way back from hiking, we meet a retiree from the North Island on her way to hike the Milford Track, one of many multiple day backpacking hikes in New Zealand. This one is 4-day, hut-to-hut hiking, or in her case lodge to lodge where guides cook and carry your heavy gear. We’re liking hearing this as we’ve long left our backpacking days but still enjoy hikes that take you into the wilderness and an adventure.
